Iowa enacts state immigration law mirroring Texas

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds approved legislation that makes it illegal for a person to enter her state after being denied entry into the United States or deported from the country. 

"The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nation’s immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk," Reynolds said Wednesday after she signed the bill into law.

The legislation, which mirrors Texas' immigration law, is set to go into effect on July 1, but it may face legal challenges. Texas won a minor victory with the Supreme Court last month over its law, but a lower federal court subsequently blocked the legislation from going into effect while the court considers its constitutionality.

Reynolds argued that the law is necessary due to to President Joe Biden's policies on the border. Record-breaking numbers of illegal immigrants have attempted to enter the U.S. during his time in office.

"Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them," Reynolds also said. "This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books."

Other states, such as Louisiana, are considering enacting similar legislation.

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